Planner

JOB
An employee in this class performs a variety of technical and administrative work in support of the County’s Planning and Zoning department functions. The employee provides customer service, greeting visitors, and answering the department phone, requiring the ability to answer questions and provide information and assistance to contractors and property owners regarding department services, procedures, fees, permits, and applications. Work involves accepting permit applications and reviewing for completeness and required documents, issuing zoning permits, collecting fees and payments and issuing receipts, taking minutes at the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings, reviewing and signing off on plat maps, preparing and maintaining department files, preparing legal notices, and providing administrative support to Planning staff. Work involves frequent public contact and knowledge of departmental services and zoning permit procedures. Work requires considerable public contact with developers, property owners, and the general public, requiring considerable tact and firmness. General knowledge of the planning and zoning regulations, GIS technology, judgment and initiative are required in the performance of duties.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Answers the phone and greets visitors; responds to questions on policies and procedures and provides information on general permits, permitting process requirements, and zoning ordinance regulations.Accepts and reviews permit applications for completeness prior to acceptance; verifies approvals and appropriate signatures; issues zoning permits; scans and maintains documents and application files; issues zoning verification letters. Provides technical assistance to the general public, property owners, appraisers, builders, developers, realtors, and contractors; explains and advises public on property zoning designation, setbacks, minimum lot size, and related zoning information.Reviews and signs off on plot maps.Attends Planning Board and Board of Adjustment meetings; prepares and distributes board packets; may prepare meeting agendas; prepares reports and maps; takes and types meeting minutes.Assists Planning Director with zoning code enforcement activities as requested.Prepares documents, maps, and presentation materials; copies packets and information for agendas and meetings; assists with advertisements and public notifications.Researches and compiles data for departmental reports and projects.Performs administrative support duties including accounts payable, preparing purchase orders, ordering supplies, copying and printing materials, developing and maintaining departmental and fiscal records and files. Establishes and maintains project files and records of permits issued; maintains files on plans, permits, maps, and other materials, documents, and records. Performs a variety of administrative support for the department; processes department accounts payable; maintains department office supplies; maintains department webpage with updated forms and information; compiles forms, permits and notices with designated information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, business, or equivalent combination of education and experience.